Tobacco-related diseases cost more than the revenue generated from its export - Health Minister

The Health Ministry is taking multi-pronged actions against tobacco consumption. Health Minister Harsh Vardhan emphasised on this fact, while sharing findings of scientific research conducted by well-known institutions. He said that better alternatives are available for tobacco-growing states as the farmers can earn more by cultivating sugarcane, pepper, fruits, vegetables and mustard. He then compared the revenue earned from tobacco export to the WHO findings on the impact of tobacco-related ailments in India. India earns more than $500 million per year through tobacco exports. On the other hand, the net economic cost -- comprising the medical cost of treating tobacco related diseases﻿ --amounts to $ 1.7 billion.

13-Jul-2014Others

Tension prevails in Assam district after abduction of four people

Abduction of four people by suspected Bodo militants in Baksa district of Assam has led to a very tense atmosphere. The members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) group are not in favour of peace talks with the government. The area comes under Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD). Curfew has been imposed in some parts of the Gobardhana region and Army and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) personnel are conducting search operations. The police recovered the bicycles of the kidnapped people who belonged to a group of seven small traders going to Salbari area.

13-Jul-2014Sports

India leads England by 128 runs

India, at 163/3, was leading England by 128 runs in the second innings at the end of Day 4 in the first Test at Trent Bridge. Virat Kohli (8) and Ajinkya Rahane (18) were batting. Vijay and Pujara scored their fifties. James Anderson and Joe Root's superb batting put England into a better position.

13-Jul-2014Politics

Income tax relief to be extended if economy improves: FM

While speaking on budget on a TV show, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley made clear and that the government is willing to give more concessions in income tax if the economy of India improves next year. He also said that high tax system by the previous government is responsible for inflation and the present government wants to change it. He showed satisfaction at the introduction of Good and Service Tax (GST) this year.﻿The Finance Minister added that he would have given more relief, if the government had more funds at its disposal. He also defended the government’s decision to allow 49 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) in defence. In the previous NDA regime under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the government allowed 26 per cent FDI in defence.

13-Jul-2014Others

Court orders restriction on pedestrians and traffic in Srinagar

Following the declaration of a march to the martyrs' graveyard in Naqashband Sahib area by separatists, the district magistrate of Srinagar issued orders imposing restrictions on pedestrians and vehicles. The preventive orders to maintain law and order in the city have been issued under the Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code, restricting the gathering of five or more people at a time. The police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel have also been deployed in the old city areas of Rainawari, Khanyar, Nowhatta, M R Gunj and Safa Kadal.

13-Jul-2014Politics

Margaret Alva is new Governor of Goa

Senior Congress leader﻿ Margaret Alva is new governor of Goa. She was administered oath by Bombay High Court Chief Justice Mohit Shah. She was appointed after B.V. Wanchoo resigned last week. Many senior bureaucrats and politicians attended the oath-taking ceremony that took place at the Raj Bhavan on the outskirts of Panaji. Wanchoo was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials for any link with the AgustaWestland VVIP chopper scam.